Penn State football is the Nittany Lions’ FBS program in the Big Ten, led by head coach James Franklin and quarterback Drew Allar. With Oregon football now in the Big Ten, Penn State’s path to the College Football Playoff runs through new West Coast foes. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and how to follow the Oregon–Penn State angle, including TV partners, schedule checks, and key dates.
What happened
Oregon and Washington officially joined the Big Ten beginning with the 2024 season, expanding the league’s footprint to the West Coast, according to the conference [[source:https://bigten.org/news/2023/8/4/big-ten-conference-welcomes-university-of-oregon-and-university-of-washington.aspx]]. The move reshaped schedules and created regular-season possibilities for Oregon–Penn State matchups that previously occurred only in bowls.
The College Football Playoff also expanded to 12 teams starting in 2024, increasing at-large opportunities for programs like Penn State and Oregon, according to the CFP Board of Managers [[source:https://collegefootballplayoff.com/news/2022/9/2/college-football-playoff-expands-to-12-teams.aspx]].
Fans tracking an Oregon–Penn State game should verify dates and kickoff details on each school’s official schedule page, which updates weekly during the season: Penn State [[source:https://gopsusports.com/sports/football/schedule]]; Oregon [[source:https://goducks.com/sports/football/schedule]]. National TV windows are carried by the Big Ten’s partners, including FOX, CBS, NBC, and Peacock [[source:https://bigten.org/sports/2022/8/18/football-releases-media-rights.aspx]].
Why it matters
Oregon’s arrival raises the week-to-week difficulty of Penn State’s schedule. Cross-country trips, late TV windows, and added top-15 caliber opponents affect recovery, logistics, and rankings. In the 12-team CFP, strength of schedule and quality wins matter; an Oregon–Penn State result could swing seeding or at-large berths.
Recruiting and quarterback play also take center stage. Penn State’s Drew Allar and Oregon’s Dante Moore are among the most-watched passers in the conference. Coaching decisions by James Franklin and Oregon’s Dan Lanning will shape postseason positioning and awards races.
Context & background
Penn State is a national brand with decades of top-10 finishes and a formidable home-field environment in “White Out” games at Beaver Stadium. Oregon has become a perennial contender with speed on offense, innovative schemes, and a significant NIL footprint that supports roster depth. Both programs now chase Big Ten titles under new media rights that place marquee games in prime national windows.
The schools last met in the 1995 Rose Bowl, a Penn State win led by quarterback Kerry Collins and running back Ki-Jana Carter (historical context). Today’s rematch potential comes from the Big Ten’s rotating conference model that introduced Oregon and Washington in 2024 [[source:https://bigten.org/news/2023/8/4/big-ten-conference-welcomes-university-of-oregon-and-university-of-washington.aspx]].
Penn State football vs. Oregon Ducks at a glance
| Category | Penn State | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Conference | Big Ten | Big Ten |
| Head coach | James Franklin | Dan Lanning |
| QB to know | Drew Allar | Dante Moore |
| Home stadium | Beaver Stadium (University Park, Pa.) | Autzen Stadium (Eugene, Ore.) |
| TV partners (Big Ten) | FOX, CBS, NBC, Peacock [[source:https://bigten.org/sports/2022/8/18/football-releases-media-rights.aspx]] |
What to watch next
Keep an eye on weekly TV selections, injury reports, and depth charts. If Oregon–Penn State appears on the schedule, expect national TV placement and possible primetime. In the CFP era, late-season tiebreakers mean road performance, turnover margin, and special teams often decide seeding.
Timeline: Key moments shaping Oregon–Penn State
- September 2, 2022 — CFP expands to 12 teams starting in 2024 [[source:https://collegefootballplayoff.com/news/2022/9/2/college-football-playoff-expands-to-12-teams.aspx]].
- August 4, 2023 — Big Ten votes to add Oregon and Washington for 2024 [[source:https://bigten.org/news/2023/8/4/big-ten-conference-welcomes-university-of-oregon-and-university-of-washington.aspx]].
- 2024 season — Oregon becomes a Big Ten member, creating new league matchups and travel patterns.
- 2024–present — Big Ten media partners FOX/CBS/NBC/Peacock carry marquee games weekly [[source:https://bigten.org/sports/2022/8/18/football-releases-media-rights.aspx]].
Checklist: How to follow a potential Oregon–Penn State game week
- Confirm the date, time, and location on official team sites: Penn State and Oregon schedules [[source:https://gopsusports.com/sports/football/schedule]] [[source:https://goducks.com/sports/football/schedule]].
- Check TV/streaming assignment via Big Ten partners and your provider’s channel guide.
- Review depth charts and injury updates from each program’s weekly game notes.
- Plan travel early if attending; verify parking, stadium policies, and weather.
- Bookmark analysis hubs and prep pieces on film tendencies and key matchups.
Matchup factors that often decide Oregon–Penn State
- Quarterback efficiency: Third-down conversions and explosives off play-action.
- Trench play: Pass protection vs. edge rush; interior run fits and gap integrity.
- Special teams: Hidden yards on punts/returns; field position in close games.
- Travel and tempo: Cross-country legs vs. Oregon’s pace and home-noise at Autzen.
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- Penn State and Oregon are Big Ten rivals as of 2024, expanding cross-country league play.
- Any Oregon–Penn State game could have direct CFP seeding implications in the 12-team format.
- Verify dates and TV weekly on official schedule pages; Big Ten games air on FOX, CBS, NBC, and Peacock.
- QB play (Drew Allar, Dante Moore) and coaching (James Franklin, Dan Lanning) headline the matchup.
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